Monday, November 21, 2011

Tis The Season

Snowflakes falling, my old home is calling
Tall pines are humming, Christmas time is coming.

Can't you hear them bells ringin' ringin' joy to all here them singin'
Let it snow and I'll be going back to my country home
Christmas times a' coming Christmas times a' coming
Christmas times a' coming and I know I'm going home.



It's that time again. Time to plan The Annual Coughlan Family Christmas Party. This year's party will take place on Saturday, December 17th at the White Rapid Hall starting at 5pm. Since we are a family that loves traditions we'll be having the usual: potluck, sing-a-long, a visit from Santa plus any other talent anyone would like to share. (A little birdie told me the Barnettville Girls are working on another Christmas skit)

To cover the cost of the hall rental, paper supplies and beverages, we are asking each family bring $5.00 to contribute. A small admission for a night full of family, fun, food, music and most of all, memories. Can't take your entire family any where for five bucks these days!
Hope to see another packed house at this years party!

Happy Holidays!!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Remembering.....

It was seven years ago today
That our dad passed away,
The peace on your face was hard to believe
As we surrounded your bedside and watched you leave.

But we all have our memories and stories of you
The lessons you taught us we try hard to do.
Work hard for your family and when needed - be there,
That's the way we learned to show that we care.

Another year will come and then it will go
And each one of us will always know
To have had you for a father we were blessed
And that you are safe at Home in eternal rest.

                - - Pauline


There really isn't much more anyone could add to this. Pauline has found a beautiful way to express how we all are feeling today.

We love and miss you dad and granddad.

Monday, November 7, 2011

"A Mountain School Christmas"

As you all know we are a family full of writers, actors, singers and dancers. A talented clan for sure! There is an upcoming event that is sure to showcase some of our best!

The Heritage Players and The Nelson Doyle Dancers will be hosting a dinner theatre on Friday, December 2, 2011 at the Miramichi Kin Centre starting at 6pm. This is a fundraising effort for the dancing group's trip to Ireland this coming summer.

Valerie penned the wonderful script. Christina and Noah are lending their great acting abilities. Nora will be dancing up a storm with her fellow dancers. It's sure to be an evening not to be missed!

Tickets cost $25 per person and are available now at Books Inn, Renous Convenience, the Blackville Post Office or by contacting Valerie or Hollie. Be sure to get yours now since this is sure to be a sell-out!

Also keep an eye on the Miramichi Leader for an upcoming story about the play along with a sneak peak at the dress rehearsal.

Hope to see you all out at the theatre!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

November Dates

Another month is upon us. Just where does the time go?

The important dates I have received so far for this month are as follows.

Leslie Ann and Gary shared a birthday on the 1st. Leslie Ann turned 17 while Gary turned 45.

This coming Saturday, the 5th, there are two important events to mention. First, the ladies at Saint Agnes Anglican Church will be hosting their annual turkey supper in the church basement from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Take-outs are available starting from 3:00pm with sit down meals being served beginning at 4:00pm. If you haven't enjoyed this supper before, it sure is delicious! Hope to see lots of the Coughlan Clan out to support the church.

Also Trish and Justin are having their engagement shower Saturday at Riverside Lodge, 85 Hambrook Point Road, Renous. Of course all the Coughlan Clan are invited to attend. From 7pm-10pm adults and children alike are more than welcomed but from 10pm on it's for adults only. Hope to see you all there!

Saturday the 26th Reggie will celebrate his 59th birthday. Also we know Hayward has a birthday this month but just uncertain of the date. If anyone knows, just let Sherry know.

And last but certainly not least the 14th marks the anniversary of Arthur's (granddad's) passing. If anyone has a special note they would like to share about granddad or a story or a small memory, send them to Sherry by the 12th at ssturgeon@xplorenet.ca and she will post a special tribute to him on the 14th here on the blog.

Lastly, if there are any other dates for the month of November you would like to mention, just send them along.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

A couple of missed dates

With the Coughlan Clan being as big as we are, we are bound to forget some dates.

Yesterday, October 10th, Lorelei and Brian celebrated their 8th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations guys and sorry we are late announcing it.

Also today, October 11th, Jessica is celebrating her birthday. Hope you have a wonderful day Jess!!

Sure hope we didn't forget any one else. If you know of any important dates or announcements for the month of November, please email them to Sherry at ssturgeon@xplorenet.ca. Thanks!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Sending Condolences

The Coughlan Clan would like send sincere condolences to Fred, Vada & family. On Tuesday, October 4th, Fred's sister, Georgina, passed away at the age of 92. Georgina Margaret Curtis is resting at St Andrew’s United Church, Blackville, with visitation on Friday, October 7, at 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 2 p.m. at the church, with Dean Lawrence officiating.

Sending our thoughts and prayers to all the Curtis family at this most difficult time.

Corn Beef & Cabbage Weekend

This year the Coughlan Clan held it's annual Corn Beef & Cabbage Sunday on Sept. 18th, 2011.

School was back in full swing by this time but there were some of us holding on to those lazy summer nights. On Saturday evening, Gary & Sherry and Pauline & Blaine spent the night at "Hearts Can Tent".  Hollie & Danny and kids joined them for the evening as well. It proved to be chilly but nothing they couldn't handle.

Of course having a HUGE campfire did help everyone stay warm.


The girls enjoying their last campfire together while it was still officially summer. They'll miss these nights for sure.


Sunday morning proved to be a beautiful September day and the perfect day for a family gathering. At times it proved down right hot while sitting in the sun. We all knew days like this were almost gone for another year so we all soaked it up with a smile.

After much hard work by Hayward and crew, the smell of the supper cooking floated through the air and made all our mouths water with anticipation. This has been a tradition for many years and the perfect way to welcome the fall season.

The wait was finally over....supper is served!


Over 50 members of the Coughlan Clan enjoyed the delicious meal.

If you were unable to make it, this is a sample of what you missed. YUM!


Oh and did we mention the desserts? The Coughlan Clan ladies sure do know how to bake some delicious goodies!!

I'm sure if you ask anyone who was in attendance they would agree Corn Beef Sunday 2011 was another great success. We all left with VERY full bellies and perhaps a tab bit sleepy as well.


Ooops! Looks like Kendall couldn't wait to go home to have a nap after his belly was full! Caught ya!

Here are a few snap shots from another great Coughlan gathering.....


And we think the pics speak for themselves....a great day was had by all!

Labour Day Weekend

The Coughlan Clan enjoyed the last weekend of summer vacation with a two-day celebration down Horse Bank Lodge Lane.

Saturday everyone enjoyed a dee-lish Chinese food pot luck supper. If there is one thing the Coughlan Clan has mastered over the years, it's how to prepare a wonderful meal for everyone.

Saturday evening a campfire was made and while everyone sat around and enjoyed it's warmth and glow, a ghostly figure appeared on the hill. No one knew what to think as this stranger made her way down the hill carrying a lantern and a basket. She approached the nervous crowd and they soon found out it was the ghost of Mary Sinclair. She shared her story with everyone and then revealed her basket contained treats for the kids.

The ghost of Mary Sinclair shares her story with the Coughlan Clan gathered around the fire.

Once Mary disappeared into the darkness, the kids were free to have some fun. They enjoyed special treats on the campfire and an old fave, sparklers!


All the kids enjoying the glow of their sparklers.

Everyone who attended Saturday's events are sure to say it was a day and evening to remember.



Sunday morning found the Coughlan Clan back at it once again. Leslie and the boys cooked a beautiful breakfast for everyone who attended.











The river on Sunday seemed to be full of fish with sounds of splashes and sightings of jumps happening regularly. But Hayward seemed to be the only one with the magic touch.....

This picture reminds me of when I was a kid and if Uncle Hayward, Uncle Reggie, Uncle Blaine or Uncle Wayne hooked a fish, all us kids would run down to the shore to see him land it. It's pictures like this that keeps our traditions alive.



And what would a gathering of the Coughlan Clan be without a friendly match of washer toss?! It was decided this year Labour Day Weekend would host the infamous "Crown Tournament." Last year's winners, Gary and Leslie were to defend their crowns with new partners. Would either of them leave as they came, carrying their crown??








After a long hard battle, here are the 2011 Horse Bank "Crown Tournament" winners.....

Keith and Hollie came in second. Here they are with their second place trophy. Rumor has it Keith will be practicing out in Alberta so when he comes home next year, he will be out to win it all!


And here are the winners! Gary happily took his crown home with him for another year and Christina was thrilled to win her first title. Here they are celebrating with some wine and their trophy.



Even the youngest member of the Coughlan Clan came out to enjoy the day at the Horse Bank. Here is precious little Bentley having a snooze. He sure can draw some attention when ever he makes an appearance.














To end the day, Leslie went back to work to cook another great supper for the crew.


Well summer vacation is only a memory now. But looking back over the summer, the Coughlan Clan sure did make some wonderful memories didn't we? ♥

Ooops!

Sorry guys....forgot a few important dates for this month!

Christina's birthday is today, October 6th.

Fred and Vada will be celebrating their anniversary on the 10th.

And pretty little Montana will be turning 3 on the 31st.

Hope everyone enjoys their special day!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Important Dates for October!

Hey everyone....another month is upon us. Here are the special dates for October.

October 1st was Tracey's birthday! Hope you had a great birthday Tracey!

Morgan and Denise will celebrate their 4th anniversary on October 6th.

Valerie and Leslie will celebrate their 40th anniversary on the 8th.

Danny (Coughlan) will celebrate his birthday on October 11 while Evan's birthday is the 13th.

Morgan will turn the ripe old age of 32 on the 14th and Sherry & Gary will celebrate their 14th anniversary on the 18th.

And last but certainly not least Danny (Sturgeon) will turn 43 on the 26th.

Hope everyone enjoys their special days this month! Best wishes from all the Coughlan Clan!

Monday, September 19, 2011

On the Road Again

Just a quick note to let everyone know Freda and Keith headed for home today. We all hope they travel safe and look forward to seeing them again next summer. See ya soon guys! ♥

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Summer at the Shore

"Are we going to the shore this weekend?"

If you ask either Sherry or Christina how many times they heard that statement this summer, they would answer, "every single weekend!"

Thanks to Preston and Karen who allowed Pauline & Blaine, Sherry & Gary and Christina & Philip to set up their travel trailers all summer and to Danny & Bev who allowed them to run what seems like miles and miles of extension chords, "Hearts Can Tent" campground was quite the gathering place all summer long.

Lazy afternoons reading a book, many hot dogs on Blaine's charcoal bbq, games of "man hunt", star gazing, and of course lots of washers were enjoyed by all. Pauline, Sherry, Christina and their families can not thank Preston, Karen, Danny and Bev enough for giving them a "summer home". The kids have made so many wonderful memories this summer. Memories that will last a life time!

Just a small glimpse into what was enjoyed all summer long....

At times there would be a large crowd sitting around in the evenings having a chat and a laugh.


There would be a crowd gathering around the campfire each and every night.


Dalton cooking the next best thing since sliced bread....wait...it IS bread! All the kids this summer discovered how yummy bread tasted toasted over the campfire. Every weekend there would have to be at least two rolls of white bread available to them. The parents didn't mind since toast is healthier than s'mores!

Sherry has a Facebook Album called "Summer on the Shore" that has lots more pictures. You can access the album even if you do not have a Facebook Account by following this link:

www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150271213667331.326376.720497330&l=da9acd42a1&type=1

It goes without saying there are at least 3 families hoping "Hearts Can Tent" Campground will be open for business for the 2012 Summer Season.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Family Reunion

"Family Reunion, she's gonna be a good one,
So lemme bend your ear, the clan's all here,
For the Family Reunion"

July 30-31st the Coughlan Clan celebrated their 8th Family Reunion. Hard to believe it's already been that many years but the reunion only gets better and better with time. Thank you to Valerie, Leslie, Preston and Karen for all their hard work planning, setting up, cooking, tearing down and putting up with us in the back yard year after year. Your dedication to the reunion does not go unnoticed and everyone truly appreciates it.

Saturday may have been a bit soggy but it didn't damper any one's spirits. Everyone came prepared for a great time. There's always so many well planned fun activities for the kids each year. Scott did a great job teaching the kids the art of paper origami. The kids loved making their pop bottle fire flies as well. Thanks to Karen for organizing bingo on Saturday and painting on Sunday for the kids. We definitely have some budding artists in the family for sure. A huge thank you to Hollie and Danny for setting up the fireworks. It was the best fireworks show to date! And what a special touch to watch the Chinese Lantern float up in the night sky. It's going to be hard to out do yourselves next year but we are sure you will give it your all. Excellent job guys!!

Of course one of the highlights of the reunion is the washer toss tournament. Nothing wrong with some friendly competition amongst family right? In case you missed it, here are our 2011 winners.

Vada & Herbie fought hard against Jamie and Hollie to capture third place. Jamie got an honorable mention for playing so well having NEVER played in a tournament before. Way to go Jamie!!



Corrie and Gary placed 2nd. The games for 1st place were quite interesting to watch since it was mother vs daughter and brother-in-law vs brother-in-law.


And the 2011 Family Reunion Washer Toss Tournament Champions are Donna and Jason! Congrats to you both!

Another highlight of the reunion of course is the food. And man, was there ever lots of great food! Saturday's supper was delicious. Everyone enjoyed hot turkey sandwiches, fries, dressing and desserts. Also Ian provided his pork speciality for everyone to enjoy. Sunday morning's breakfast of sausage, ham, pan fries and toast was a great way to start the day and give us all the energy needed to compete in the washer toss tournament. Hots, hams, turkey, gravy, fries and desserts was a very tasty way to end the afternoon. Thank you to Leslie, Ian, Morgan, Hayward, Preston, & anyone else who helped cook the meals. Thank you to Cameron and Valerie for making the delicious dressing. Thanks to the girls who cooked the turkeys and made the gravy. Thanks to anyone who provided those decadent desserts. And of course, it wouldn't be a family reunion without the cake!


And yes, the cake was as good as it looks!

Everyone was having such a great time this year that we did something we haven't done before. We stayed the second night! Sunday evening a small group of us stayed for a campfire, star watching with Scott's telescopes and a performance of a skit Sherry wrote called "Horsebank Memories." The kids quickly practiced the skit and early in the evening performed it for a small group in Preston's garage.


The kids singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during their performance of "Horsebank Memories".

The kids did an amazing job! It was very nice to go back in time and remember some of those fun times out at the Horsebank Lodge. There wasn't a dry eye in the place by the end of it.

So we think it's safe to say the 2011 Family Reunion was a huge success. Already looking forward to the 9th annual one! Family and tradition are two of the most important things in life. We are lucky to have both of these things in abundance. ♥

Monday, September 12, 2011

Luck 'o the Irish

This summer Nora made us all proud as we watched her dance her heart out on TV. She is a member of the Nelson Doyle Dancers and they performed for Live at 5 on Friday, July 15th during Miramichi's Irish Festival. Nora was all smiles and it's evident to everyone she really enjoys it and has some amazing talent. The group performed 5 times during the festival and is always a crowd pleaser.

During the Irish Festival, they were formally invited to Ireland to perform and are slated to leave August 7th, 2012 for a ten day excursion. How exciting!! Fundraising is already underway for this trip of a lifetime. They will soon be selling tickets on one of Fred's beautiful wooden rocking chairs. Hollie will let us know when she has some tickets to sell.

Another fundraiser that will be of particular interest to the Coughlan Clan is a dinner theatre being held at the Newcastle Kin Center on Friday, December 2nd. The Heritage Players will perform "A Mountain School Christmas" written by Valerie. Valerie is a beautiful play-write so this production is sure to be a great show. The Nelson Doyle Dancers will also be on hand to dance for the audience so this is sure to be a night not to miss. Hollie will soon have all the final details on tickets and we'll post it here.

Good luck with the fundraising Nora and congratulations on your wonderful television debut!


Nora wearing her new beautiful red dress for the Nelson Doyle Dancers.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Team Keenan was at it again!

This is the first of many summer updates.

The kids of Team Keenan were raising awareness and funds for JDRF again this summer. On Saturday, July 2nd they participated in the annual Miramichi Jaycee's Soap Box Derby. Thanks to Steve Curtis, a member of the Jaycee's, the kids had an amazing car to race. He spent the winter designing and building the "JDRF Special".

If you ask any of the kids, you will definitely hear how much fun they had racing the car that day. Paulina was even involved in a wreck!

Thanks to the Jaycees $500 was raised for JDRF. Steve has told the team next years' funds will also go to this great cause so members of Team Keenan will be out and about before the races looking for your support.


The Team Keenan kids with the "JDRF Special". Thank you Steve & the Miramichi Jaycees!!

Special Dates for the Month of September

Mark your calendars folks! Here are the special dates for this month.

Pauline's birthday is Friday, the 9th. Blaine's birthday is Monday, the 12th. Marilyn's birthday is Wednesday, the 14th. Florence's birthday is Friday, the 16th. Also Pauline and Blaine will be celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary on Wednesday, the 28th.

This year corn beef & cabbage Sunday will be at the Horse Bank Lodge on Sunday, Sept. 18th. Hope to see everyone there!

Updates coming VERY soon!

Hello Coughlan Clan!!

Sorry for the delay in getting some more updates out to you. With all the hustle and bustle that comes with back to school, the blog may have been a little neglected. So sorry!!

Hope all the kids are enjoying their first week back to school! Where did the summer go? Also hoping our University students, Grace and Michelle, enjoy a successful year away.

The family was very pleased to spend some time with Vida this past weekend as she was out on a weekend pass. She certainly seems to be doing a lot better. And we are happy to report, Andrea is doing very good as well. Wishing them both a speedy recovery.

We also hope to hear wonderful results from Cameron's biopsy and Claudia's scope. They both had their procedures yesterday, Sept. 7th. Sending lots of positive thoughts their way.

Watch for some updates within the next few days including some great pics from a wonderful summer. And again, I remind you this is a family blog and anyone can access it. So if you want to add some pics or updates yourself, just contact Jennifer for the log in and password.

Enjoy your day!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Family News Update

Today is Aunt Dot's 86th Birthday!  If you happen to run into her today, be sure to give her a hug and wish her a Happy Birthday.

Freda & Keith are home for a visit!  They arrived on Saturday, August 13th and are staying until the 15th of September.  Their plans include visiting Keith's son in Saint John and doing a tour Nova Scotia and PEI.  They are staying at the homestead, so feel free to drop in for a visit.

Lastly, we ask for everyone to keep Andrea and Vida in their thoughts during their stay in the hospital.  We will try to post any updates we receive.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wedding Announcement

Congratulations to Trish & Justin, who are officially engaged! Their wedding date is this coming New Years Eve, Dec 31/2011. So now we can all ring in the new year together! :)

Bentley Morgan Charles Has Arrived!

Yesterday at approx. 4:25pm, Morgan & Denise welcomed their second child into this world. A boy, weighing 7lbs 15.9oz. Although, I have no pic at the moment, we are told that he is quite the handsome fella.

Congratulations to the Stewart Family!